Context:

India’s maritime sector is witnessing an unprecedented phase of transformation. Addressing the India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described India as a “steady lighthouse” in turbulent global seas, a reliable hub for trade, investment, and connectivity. With participation from over 85 countries, the event showcased how India is rapidly emerging as a maritime power, combining ancient heritage with modern innovation.

• • The government has committed an investment of nearly ₹70,000 crore in the sector, emphasizing sustainable coastal development, advanced shipbuilding, and green logistics. This renewed maritime push aligns with the long-term Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, aimed at positioning India among the world’s leading maritime nations.

India’s Status in the Global Maritime Sector:

• • India occupies a vital position in the global maritime landscape. With a coastline stretching over 7,500 kilometres (and over 11,000 km including island territories) and 13 coastal states and Union Territories, India is strategically placed at the centre of key international shipping routes. Nearly 95% of India’s trade by volume and 70% by value is carried through maritime transport.
  • Over the past decade, India’s ports have become more efficient and competitive. The average vessel turnaround time has dropped from 96 hours to just 48 hours, and container dwell time has fallen below three days — better than several developed nations. Cargo handling capacity has almost doubled, while inland waterways cargo movement has grown by over 700%.
  • India’s performance on the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) has also improved dramatically. The country rose from 54th place in 2014 to 38th in 2023, reflecting stronger logistics, port efficiency, and supply chain resilience.
  • Furthermore, India is now among the top three countries globally in seafarer numbers, with over 3 lakh Indian seafarers, up from 1.25 lakh a decade ago. This skilled workforce adds a human edge to India’s maritime strength.

India Maritime Week 2025: Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision:

• • The India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, hosted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), took place in Mumbai from 27–31 October 2025. The event, themed “Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision”, aimed to provide a global platform for dialogue on innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth in the maritime domain.
  • The conclave witnessed participation from 85 countries, including CEOs of leading global shipping companies, policymakers, startups, and representatives from small island nations. The scale of participation and the signing of MoUs worth lakhs of crores reflect growing global confidence in India’s maritime potential.
  • IMW 2025 also marked the operationalization of major infrastructure projects and policy reforms, making it one of the most significant gatherings in India’s maritime calendar. The Global Maritime CEO Forum, held as part of the event, discussed themes such as green shipping, blue economy strategies, and resilient supply chains.

Major Developments in India’s Maritime Sector:

India’s maritime growth story over the past decade can be described as historic and transformative. The government’s consistent focus on reform, innovation, and capacity expansion has brought the sector to a new level.

Some of the notable developments include:

• • Operationalization of Vizhinjam Port, India’s first deep-water international trans-shipment hub, where the world’s largest container vessel recently docked.
  • Highest-ever cargo handling by major ports in FY 2024–25.
  • Green Hydrogen Facility launched at Kandla Port, marking India’s entry into clean port energy systems.
  • Phase 2 of the Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal at JNPT, doubling its capacity and making it India’s largest container port — supported by record FDI.
  • Construction of the Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra at a cost of ₹76,000 crore, aimed at creating a world-class mega port.

In addition, inland waterways have expanded from 3 operational routes to 32, significantly easing cargo pressure on roads and railways.

India’s ports have also achieved a ninefold increase in net annual surplus over the past decade, proving that reforms and efficiency go hand in hand with profitability.

Key Government Reforms and Schemes:

1. Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047

These long-term strategies focus on four pillars — port-led development, shipbuilding, seamless logistics, and maritime skill-building. Together, they aim to transform India into a global maritime hub and expand its share in world trade.

2. Coastal Shipping Act

This new legislation simplifies trade, enhances supply chain security, and ensures balanced growth along India’s coastline. It encourages the use of coastal shipping as an eco-friendly and cost-effective mode of transport.

3. Merchant Shipping Act

Replacing colonial-era laws, the reformed Act modernizes maritime governance by aligning Indian regulations with global conventions. It boosts safety standards, digitization, and ease of doing business in port operations.

4. Sagarmala Programme

Launched to promote port-led industrialization, Sagarmala includes over 800 projects worth ₹5.5 lakh crore, covering port modernization, connectivity, and coastal community development.

5. Harit Sagar and Green Port Initiatives

Focused on green logistics, waste management, and renewable energy use, these initiatives promote sustainable port operations and carbon-neutral growth.

6. PM Gati Shakti and One Nation, One Port Process

Through integrated digital infrastructure, these initiatives streamline logistics, standardize documentation, and reduce turnaround time, enhancing competitiveness across ports.

7. Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Policies

India has accorded infrastructure asset status to large ships, enabling easier access to finance and reducing interest costs for shipbuilders. Both greenfield and brownfield shipyards are being developed with a ₹70,000 crore investment push.

India’s Global Maritime Vision:

• • India’s maritime strategy goes beyond domestic capacity-building. It is closely tied to global trade, energy security, and climate resilience. Projects like the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) represent India’s efforts to reshape global trade routes through cleaner and smarter logistics.
  • The Prime Minister emphasized that maritime development must be inclusive, benefiting not only India but also Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). India aims to share technology, training, and infrastructure with these nations, reinforcing its role as a responsible global partner.
  • Furthermore, India’s active participation in global maritime dialogues on climate change, decarbonization, and blue economy development aligns with its broader sustainable growth agenda.

The Way Forward:

The next 25 years, India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal  are set to define the country’s rise as a maritime power. The focus will remain on:

• • Developing world-class mega ports and increasing India’s share in containerized trade.
  • Accelerating shipbuilding and marine engineering capacity to make India a global hub.
  • Advancing green technologies, such as hydrogen-powered vessels and zero-emission logistics.
  • Enhancing coastal infrastructure to promote tourism, fisheries, and local livelihoods.
  • Strengthening skill-building to prepare India’s youth for emerging roles in global maritime operations.

With 100% FDI allowed in ports and shipping, the sector offers vast opportunities for international collaboration and private investment.

Conclusion:

India’s maritime resurgence is not just an infrastructure story, it’s a symbol of strategic confidence and global relevance. The transformation from outdated colonial laws to futuristic legislation, from limited port capacity to world-class infrastructure, reflects India’s vision of being a “steady lighthouse” for global trade. As the world faces uncertain geopolitical tides and supply chain disruptions, India’s maritime sector stands out as an anchor of stability, sustainability, and opportunity. With strong leadership, modern reforms, and ambitious investment, India is steadily sailing toward becoming one of the world’s foremost maritime powers — a true lighthouse guiding the global seas.